I’m sure many of you will enjoy this — I decided to follow my own advice about progress being more important than perfection, which is why “Mondays with Mark” is arriving on a Tuesday this week. One of my goals for 2023 is greater consistency with this newsletter, so let’s dive in.
1. 🩻 X-rays for kids — what parents should know
I recently updated my blog post to address the questions parents most often ask about routine dental X-rays for children, especially when there are no visible signs of cavities or other concerns. The updated post explains when X-rays are recommended, how radiation exposure is minimized, and how benefits and risks are balanced in pediatric dental care. If you read it and still have questions, please send them my way.
2. 🦠 Bristle’s new Nitrate Score and better breathing
Bristle has introduced a Nitrate Score in their oral microbiome test that measures how well your mouth bacteria convert nitrate into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health. Certain oral bacteria sequentially reduce nitrate to nitrite and then to nitric oxide, so the composition of your oral microbiome directly affects this pathway.
I recommend everyone consider an oral microbiome test. It provides insight into risks for tooth decay, gum inflammation, bad breath, and imbalances in your gut, while also revealing your body’s capacity to produce nitric oxide. Based on results, you receive tailored oral care and dietary suggestions to help rebalance your microbiome and support both oral and overall health.
3. 🎧 Are you being “fluoride shamed” at the dentist?
There’s a growing disconnect between what dental education historically emphasized and recent discoveries about fluoride and viable alternatives. If you follow Ask the Dentist, you may already be aware of these developments — but some dentists haven’t integrated the newer evidence into their practice yet. This topic is worth exploring, especially if you feel pressured or confused during dental visits.
Have a great week,
P.S. I’m excited about a new flosser I highly recommend. Floss sticks are already convenient because they remove the hassle of manual flossing, and for me personally, family history of Alzheimer’s is a strong motivator to floss consistently. This particular device adds a vibratory motion that enhances plaque removal and makes flossing more effective. There’s a discount code available for it if you want to try it yourself.